Dell G2410H, a 24" with WLED Backlighting
March 22nd 2010


Designed with high efficiency and low power consumption
in mind, Dell have just released their new G2410H model in their 24" range.
This new screen features WLED (White LED) backlighting to help reduce power
consumption to less than 20W when in use, and <0.15W when in power save mode
using VGA input. The screen will also feature an ambient light sensor and
dynamic dimming features to help keep power consumption to a minimum, and
comes in all kinds of recyclable packaging.
In terms of specs the G2410H offers:
Size |
Resolution |
Response Time |
Contrast Ratio |
Dynamic CR |
Brightness
(cd/m2) |
Viewing Angles |
Colour
Depth |
Panel
Tech |
Ergo-nomics |
Interfaces |
24" |
1920 x 1080 |
5ms |
1000:1 |
1M:1 |
250 |
170/160 |
16.7m |
TN Film |
Tilt, swivel, height |
VGA and DVI-D (HDCP) |
The G2410H is available now for $339 USD
Source:
Dell
Lenovo L2461x Multi-touch Monitor with 120Hz
March 22nd 2010


Details are thin at the moment, but Lenovo look set to
release a new multi-touch (touchscreen) monitor in their range. The new L2461x
is 23.6" in size, and is also reported to offer
120Hz MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion
Compensation) technology. The naming of this almost suggests it is using an
interpolation type technology to estimate and 'guess' the intermediate frames
on the screen, similar to how 120Hz LCD TV's operate. We will wait and see how
the technology ends up. It will also feature a 2 MP webcame and 4 port USB
hub.
In terms of other specs, not much is known other than it
will offer a 1920 x 1080 resolution and 300 cd/m2 brightness. More details as
we get them. The screen will
apparently retail for around $550 USD.
LG W2363D - A New 23" Monitor with 120Hz
March 5th 2010


LG have released details
of a new 23" model in their range of desktop monitors, which will include
support for 3D gaming and a true 120Hz refresh rate. The W2363D offers a 1920
x 1080 resolution, 3ms G2G response time, 70,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and
even offers a thru mode for reduced input lag in 2D (ie 60Hz) mode. The screen
is of course TN Film based.
The
integrated SRS Tru-Surround HD system provides virtual surround sound,
improved bass and clear, high-frequency 3D experience. There are also DVI-D
and 2x HDMI interfaces available.
The W2363D is expected
to retail for about 379 Euros, and will be available in black from May
Asus Release 27" PG276H With 120Hz
March 5th 2010


Asus have announced details recently and shown off at
CEBIT 2010 their new 27" screen supporting 120Hz technology. The new PG276H
screen is reported to offer a full 1080HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, 2ms G2G
response time, 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness and
170/160 viewing angles. The screen will be TN Film based as you would expect
and is compatible with 3D gaming and a true 120Hz input signal.
The PG276H will be available in June with an expected
retail price of between $549 - 599 USD
Source (and image):
Softpedia
BenQ Release 9 New V Series LED Monitors
February 25th 2010


Not one to be outdone in the LED monitor market, BenQ
have recently released a range of 9 new monitors in their V series line-up,
spanning HD to Full HD, 18.5”W to 24”W, bringing the
company’s total LED lineup to 23 models.
"Distinguishing BenQ’s new V
Series from the competition are class-leading slimness (14mm and 15mm^),
extreme energy efficiency, and unbeatable dynamic contrast ratio (10M:1 DCR).
Today’s sophisticated consumer will further be drawn to the V Series’
distinctiveness by exclusive and high-end characteristics, including Senseye®
Human Vision Technology, HDMI 1.3^, eco-friendly engineering, headphone jack^,
and globally-renowned iF award designation."
The new models include the new 23"
V2320 and new 24" models - V2420 and V2420H. Full line up is as below
These new models all feature
White-LED backlighting as opposed to traditional CCFL backlighting units,
allowing BenQ to make the models very thin. This however does not elevate the
colour gamut as possible with RGB LED backlighting in some higher end models.
DVI and D-Sub equip all models while HDMI 1.3 and headphone jack are available
on models designated with an “H”. Displays having a “P” in the model name are
glare panel.
Source:
BenQ
(Also: V2220 / V2220H
spec)
Further: Testfreaks
(V920)
Samsung NC240 23.6" PC-over-IP Solution
February 25th 2010


Time for something a little different to the norm with
Samsung's NC240 23.6" monitor solution. This integrated all-in-one monitor
feature PC-over-IP® technology, for fully stateless, low-power, fanless
alternatives to the traditional desktop PC. Working directly from a central
server, you sacrifice nothing and gain efficiencies. Your full desktop,
including any USB devices, HD video and HD audio, is delivered from a back
rack workstation, tower, blade or other PCoIP-enabled host. The NC240 is the
secure way to more efficiently manage your business.

In terms of a monitor spec, the NC240 offers:
Size |
Resolution |
Response Time |
Contrast Ratio |
Dynamic CR |
Brightness
(cd/m2) |
Viewing Angles |
Colour
Depth |
Panel
Tech |
Ergo-nomics |
Interfaces |
23.6"WS |
1920 x 1080 |
5ms |
1000:1 |
n/a |
300 |
170/160 |
16.7m |
TN Film |
swivel, height |
D-sub |
[System] - PCoIP Processor : Tera1100 - Memory :
XDR 128 MB - Operating System : None - HD Audio : ALC883 - Ethernet : Gigabit
Switching Hub
[Connectivity] - VGA in (for PC monitor), DVI out
(for Dual Video) - 10 / 100 / 1000 RJ45 Ethernet - Internal Speaker (1 W x 2)
- Headphone out - Microphone in - Line in - USB1.1 x 4 (2 x Rear, 2 x Side)
Source:
Samsung
Further:
Testfreaks
Samsung P2450H Touch Of Color Monitor
February 25th 2010


Samsung's product description states: "The Samsung
P2450H widescreen LCD monitor gives you a premium monitor an at accessible
price. Its Touch of Color cabinet features a stunning rose-black gradation
reminiscent of a fading sunset, while a thin, graceful neck adds elegance.
Touch-sensitive OSD (On Screen Display) control
buttons add another level of refinement. Dynamic contrast ratio of 70,000:1
gives you tremendous detail, while 2 ms (G to G) response time gives you
razor-sharp motion graphics along with 1,920 x 1,080 full HD resolution. The
P2450H also has HDMI connectivity. It’s beauty within budget."
The P2450H offers:
Size |
Resolution |
Response Time |
Contrast Ratio |
Dynamic CR |
Brightness
(cd/m2) |
Viewing Angles |
Colour
Depth |
Panel
Tech |
Ergo-nomics |
Interfaces |
24"WS |
1920 x 1080 |
2ms G2G |
1000:1 |
70,000:1 |
300 |
170/160 |
16.7m |
TN Film |
Tilt |
D-sub, DVI-D, HDMI |
Within the same Touch Of Color series, Samsung have also
released the 20"
P2050 and 22"
P2250 models for those wanting something a little smaller.
Source:
Samsung (P2450H)
Asus Release New MS Series of Screens
February 25th 2010


Asus have recently unveiled their new "Designo" MS series
of screens in sizes from 20" up to 23.6". Asus' press release says:
"Graceful design combines with leading quality components and ASUS Splendid™
Video Intelligence Technology to deliver crisp fast visuals in Full HD 1080p,
50,000:1 contrast ratio, 2ms response time and an extra 40% in power savings.
The unique spherical ring stand features Ergo-Fit Technology that lets the
user adjust the monitor’s tilt angle with just one gentle nudge of a finger.
The Designo MS Series’ ergonomic design puts the screen at eye level for a
comfortable and productive dual screen computing experience when deployed as a
notebook’s supplementary monitor."
The key features of the screens include an ultra-slim
16.5mm profile with glossy black bezel and pearl-white back. There's the
ring-stand ergo-fit adjustment, LED touch-sensor buttons and a range of fairly
impressive specs to offer. The Designo MS Series’ eco-friendly design is
manufactured with 50% less hazardous materials and reduces power consumption
by up to 40% to lower electricity bills and help save the Earth.
The models are available as follows: MS246H/D (23.6"),
MS236H/D (23"), MS226H (21.5"), MS227N (22") and MS202N/D (20"). All models
are widescreen, with 1920 x 1080 resolution on the 21.5 - 23.6" models and
1680 x 1050 on the 22" and 1600 x 900 on the 20".
All screens offer a 2ms G2G response time with the
exception of the 20" model which offers 5ms (without RTC). There's a 50,000:1
dynamic contrast ratio available from each along with 250 cd/m2 brightness and
170/160 viewing angles. All models are TN Film based. HDMI and D-sub
interfaces are available on the 21.5 - 23.6" models, with DVI-D and D-sub
available on the smaller models. All of them do offer HDCP support though.
Source:
Asus
(MS246H)
Further:
Testfreaks (MS246H)
Eizo ColorEdge CG223W - 22" 10-bit VA Panel
February 19th 2010


The new 22" CG223W from Eizo offers many interesting
features, rate in 22" sector. The screen offers hardware calibration
compatibilty, 95% AdobeRGB gamut coverage, a 12-bit LUT with 16-bit internal
processing, 68 billion colour palette, and even a true 10-bit panel - all
aimed at colour ethusiasts and graphics professionals. The monitor fits nicely
into Eizo's ColorEdge range and has an impressive set of features on offer.
The monitor utilizes a new EIZO-developed 3D LUT. Whereas
a typical 1D LUT adjusts color on separate tables for each red, green, and
blue, a 3D LUT accomplishes this on a single, mixed-color cubic table. A 3D
LUT improves the monitor's additive color mixture (combination of RGB), a key
factor in its ability to display neutral gray tones.
Along with all this, the spec offers a 1680 x 1050
resolution, 6ms G2G response time, 950:1 contrast ratio, 270 cd/m2 brightness
and 178/178 viewing angles. There are 2x DVI interfaces (with HDCP) and a
DisplayPort which allows full use of the 10-bit panel if there is a relevant
10-bit 'journey' as we talked about recently in
our article about 10-bit IPS panels. There's also the usual impressive
range of height, pivot, tilt and swivel adjustments from the stand.
Interestingly the CG223W features a VA panel, which is
the first we have seen offering 10-bit colour depth. The same principles apply
as we discussed in our article about 10-bit IPS panels, and it certainly seems
like these are becoming more and more common now, and different technologies
are getting in on the act.
Source:
Eizo
Eizo Release 30" IPS ColorEdge CG303W
February 19th 2010


Eizo have recently launched a new 30" model in their CG
range of screens. The CG303W offers a massive 2560 x 1600 resolution and
features an IPS panel. Being an Eizo screen, aimed primarily at colour
enthusiasts, the screen has hardware calibration compatibility, a wide colour
gamut covering 98% of the AdobeRGB space and an sRGB emulation mode for those
who need it. The IPS panel used is a
10-bit panel as well, allowing for up to 1.07 billion colours and a true
30-bit colour depth.
The screen will also feature 16-bit internal processing
and a 12-bit LUT giving a colour palette of 68 billion! Eizo have even factory
calibrated the gamma of the screen and provide a verification document with
the screen covering the gamma calibration and also panel uniformity checks. EIZO carefully measures and sets every shade of R, G, and B from 0 −
255 on the production line with the monitor's 12-bit Look-Up Table, to produce
a monitor gamma value of 2.2. Should the user prefer a different value,
ColorNavigator software can be used to set the gamma value from a range of 1.0
up to 2.6 in increments of 0.1.

The monitor utilizes a new EIZO-developed 3D LUT. Whereas a typical 1D LUT
adjusts color on separate tables for each red, green, and blue, a 3D LUT
accomplishes this on a single, mixed-color cubic table. A 3D LUT improves the
monitor's additive color mixture (combination of RGB), a key factor in its
ability to display neutral gray tones.
In regards to other specs and features, the CG303W will offer a 12ms response
time (ISO), 260 cd/m2 brightness, 850:1 contrast ratio and 178/178 viewing
angles. There is a 12-bit LUT along with 16-bit internal processing giving a
colour palette of 68 billion for the 10-bit panel (I know, lots of difference
"bits" here!). The backlighting allows the screen to cover 83% of the NTSC
colour space which equates to 98% AdobeRGB. There are 2x DVI-D interfaces (1x
dual link, 1x single link). The screen also offers tilt, height, pivot and
swivel adjustments from the stand.
The screen is set to launch mid March in Japan for the
equivalent of $4500 USD / 3200 Euro
Source:
Eizo
10-bit IPS Panels - A Discussion
February 18th 2010


With the imminent launch of the
new PA series from NEC, I thought it would be worth writing a little bit
more about the new generation of 10-bit IPS panels which are starting to
become more mainstream. A couple of the higher end graphics models in the
market already use these new 10-bit panels, including the
HP DreamColor LP2480zx for instance, which was released back in mid 2008.
HP have a very useful whitepaper about the new 10-bit IPS panels which is
available here for those interested.

I won't go into too much detail here about colour depth
as you can read the full information in our
specs section. In regards to IPS panels though, they have long been
capable of a true 8-bit colour depth, also often referred to as 24-bit colour
(8-bits per sub-pixel in red, green and blue). This allows the panel to show a
true 16.7 million colours, without the need for any
frame rate control / dithering type technologies. In contrast, TN Film
panels are limited to only 6-bit colour depth (18-bit colour) and use FRC to
simulate more colours than the actual 262k true colours, taking you up to 16.2
million.

The bit precision of a panel basically determines how
many steps of brightness are possible, with the more steps the better,
offering smoother less obvious differences from one step to the next and
therefore delivering smoother gradients and less banding or gradation. This is
also important where very slight subtle differences occur in shades.
To be honest, an 8-bit panel is easily sufficient for
most purposes, and certainly for most general users. It's only really very
high end graphics use which would really benefit from 10-bit colour, and even
then, only if certain criteria are met. 10-bit technology, with a larger
number of steps available between each level of grey can be useful for 3D
rendering or in automotive styling for instance, where banding can be evident
on 8-bit panels due to a slight detectable change between each step. Where
subtle differences are needed, or where gradients are very common, 10-bit
colour depth can help avoid banding and bring out detail in close colour
tones. For instance, 10-bit colour depth is useful in satellite and medical
imagery where precession is vital.

Keep in mind though that simply having a 10-bit panel
does not automatically give you big advantages. Firstly consider that it is
only really for high end graphics use where this is going to be of any real
benefit and so consider whether the additional cost for these 10-bit panels is
worth it to you. Even if you do have a real requirement for 10-bit panels, you
can only take advantage of it if every link in the chain operates at 10-bit
(30-bit colour):
Application > Operating system > graphics drvier >
graphics card > DisplayPort interface and cable > 10-bit capable display
There are few applications and hardware devices which
support 10-bit colour, although I expect more and more will become available
over time of course. You will also note that you need an interface / cable
which can handle a full 10-bit signal such as DisplayPort. If you dont have a
graphics card with this interface, you can't take full advantage of the 10-bit
panel since DVI is limited to 24-bit colour. As you can see, there's quite a
few limitations at the moment if you really want to make the most of those new
10-bit panels which are starting to emerge in the market.
If you don't have all these links in the chain, the
monitors should still be capable of scaling the colours well even from 24-bit
sources. Indeed most of these 10-bit panels will also be coupled with extended
internal processing (12-bit LUT etc) which will help improve accuracy and
these are better translated onto a 10-bit panel than they would be onto an
8-bit panel, giving less deviation and less chance of banding issues. Don't
get confused either with monitors which feature an 8-bit panel, but have
10-bit or 12-bit internal processing via a LUT. That processing can help, but
the panel itself is still limited by its 8-bit nature.
Further reading:
IPS Panel Technologies Explained
HP
10-bit Panels Whitepaper Download
News Links:
NEC PA Series
NEC PA241W
NEC PA231W, PA271W and PA301W
NEC PA241W
Testfreaks
NEC PA231W, PA271W and PA301W Premium Monitor
Details
February 11th 2010


Following on from the
recent details about the 24"
PA241W, we have a few new details about other models forthcoming in the
IPS-based PA series of screens from NEC. We don't have full details yet, but
we'll give you what we can! Each of the PA range will feature a 12-bit LUT and
3D LUT for "amazing colour emulation control" and a new 10-bit IPS panel
technology (touted as p-IPS which NEC says stands for "Performance IPS") as well! They will also come with DisplayPort
connectivity
These will come in sizes
of 23", 27" and 30" as follows:
-
PA231W
- 23"WS featuring an e-IPS panel, 1980 x 1080 resolution, 320 cd/m2
brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 150mm height adjustable stand and 75%
AdobeRGB coverage.
-
PA271W
- 27"WS featuring a p-IPS panel, 2560 x 1440 resolution, 320 cd/m2
brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 150mm height adjustable stand and 98%
AdobeRGB coverage.
-
PA301W
- 30"WS featuring a p-IPS panel, 2560 x 1600 resolution, 320 cd/m2
brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 150mm height adjustable stand and 98%
AdobeRGB coverage.
Source:
NEC
Dell U2711 Now Available to Buy
February 11th 2010


The new 27" screen from
Dell which we talked about
a month ago has finally been released and is now available to order from
Dell's websites. The new U2711 will retail in the
UK for a pretty hefty £1006.98 and in the
US for a slightly more reasonable $1099.
The U2711 offers a
massive 2560 x 1440 rsolution, 6ms G2G response time, 80,000:1 dynamic
contrast ratio (1000:1 static), 350 cd/m2 brightness, and 178/178 viewing
angles. The screen features an IPS panel with a 1.07 billion colour support
via a 12-bit LUT. The screen offers a colour space covering 100% of the sRGB
space, 102% NTSC and 96% AdobeRGB. The screen, like the
U2410, comes factory calibrated in AdobeRGB and sRGB preset modes.
We hope to
feature a full review of the U2711 in the very near future, so keep an eye on
the site!
Source:
Dell (UK) and
Dell (US)
NEC PA241W - 24" IPS Screen for Colour Enthusiasts
February 2nd 2010


Back in December we discussed the forthcoming launches of new IPS models
from NEC, and now we have further information about their new 24" PA241W
screen. NEC's press release states: "Designed for professional graphics
applications, this 24-inch desktop display is ideal for digital photography,
video editing, print production and any environment in which color accuracy is
crucial." Perhaps most interesting of all is the statement on NEC's
website that the PA241W features a "10-bit IPS LCD panel with a 14-bit Look
Up Table, which increases color depth to more than one billion possible
colors". The NEC press release mentions this 10-bit IPS panel, but the
spec page does not, only the 14-bit 3D LUT. More clarification to come.
The screen offers a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 8ms G2G
response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 360 cd/m2 brightness and 178/178 viewing
angles.
The PA241W also offers an extended gamut covering 102% of
the NTSC space and 99.3% of the AdobeRGB. There is a 10-bit DisplayPort
interface available along with DVI (HDCP) and an integrated USB hub. There are
tilt, swivel, height and pivot adjustments from the stand, which is now a
smaller size giving a smaller footprint to the screen. There is also a 3D
lookup table, which enables accurate representation of hard-to-match color
spaces, and ICC profile emulation, which loads ICC color profiles to
accurately support manufacturer color spaces
The MultiSync PA241W is available for shipment with an
estimated street price of $1,079
Source:
NEC
Further:
Testfreaks
Further Details on the Samsung F2380MX
February 2nd 2010


Samsung's new 'highest contrast in the World' F2380MX has
recently appeared on their website, and so we have further information to
report on the new screen since
our article the other week. This 23" model will offer a full 1920 x 1080
resolution, 8ms G2G response time, 3000:1 static contrast ratio (150,000:1
DCR), 300 cd/m2 brightness and 178/178 viewing angles. Their website confirms
the screen will feature a PVA panel and a 100% coverage of the sRGB colour
space. This appears to be using the new 23" PVA panel listed on
Samsung's LCD module site, but annoyingly they appear to have stopped
listing the actual part!
There's an HDMI, DVI-D and D-sub connection available,
and a full range of tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustments.
Source:
Samsung (translated)
Dell Accidentally Leak Firmware Fix for U2410!
January 22nd 2010


You may have heard a bit about it on the net, but the
U2410 seems to have been affected by a few issues in some cases which is
causing buyers some concern. These issues don't affect every user, but you
will read disappointing user experiences online in forums nevertheless. The
two main issues with the U2410 A00 revision (the initial release) seem to be:
The Inevitable Firmware Fix
Users have been hounding Dell representatives for an
inevitable firmware update and new revision of the screen for months, hoping
that the new "A01" would help address these issues. In fact, Dell have started
shipping new A01 revisions screens to customers in some countries, although
very recently. Check the sticker on the box and on the pull out screen info
section on the monitor itself to see what version you have. It seems this new
A01 revision has addressed the dithering issue and this is now fixed, although
the tinting problem is more of a design / panel problem which cannot be fixed
by firmware.
Dell Returns and Replacements
For those who are affected by the issues, Dell have done
a pretty good job at returning and replacing screens, although users have
often been sent another replacement which has the same problem. If you are
suffering from the problems badly, then the best 'official' advice is to
return the screen to Dell for a replacement or even a refund if you want. If
you are suffering from the dithering issue, you may get an A01 revision now
which fixes it. If it's the tinting problem, you may get a replacement which
is much better or free of the problem.
Leaked User Updatable Firmware! - Make your U2410 an
A01
For those who dont want to go the official route, Dell
have accidentally leaked the firmware update for the U2410 via their Chinese
support teams, allowing you to update the firmware at home to effectively make
your screen an A01 revision! I would advise extreme caution here, since as
with any firmware flash, you can run the risk of 'bricking' your screen beyond
repair. Dell have also stated that any user attemps to update the firmware
will void your warranty, so if you do break the screen now or at any
point, it wont be officially covered. I'd also like to say we are not
advocating the flashing of the firmware yourselves either, only printing it as
an interesting piece of news!

If you want to flash the firmware yourself, you can get
the instructions and .exe and .bin files from
here (you will need to rename the file extensions to .pdf, .bin and
.exe to get them to work). Note: this only fixes the dithering issue if you
are affected, and not the tinting problem. All firmware flashes are at the
readers own risk and it will void your warranty! Be careful! The above image
shows the Dell ISP GUI which allows you to process the flash of the new M1F191
firmware.

This process flashes your monitors firmware from the
original M1F190 to the new M1F191 as shown in the image above (OSD factory
menu showing firmware update). Make sure you follow the instructions, and good
luck!
More info
TFT
Central Dell U2410 Review
Dell Support Forms Thread
Hardforum Thread (start of firmware discussion)
Firmware Flashing Files and Instructions
Testfreaks U2410 Info
Samsung Release 23" Screens with 'World's
Highest Contrast Ratio'
January 22nd 2010


Samsung have recently announced their new 1080p 23"
screens, the F2370H and F2380MX. Both screens will apparently offer the
'world's best contrast ratio' with a static figure of 3000:1 and a dynamic
figure of 150,000:1. Now we all know that the dynamic figures are a little
dubious and dont really give you a true reflection of the panels performance.
In fact, you will see even higher figures than 150,000:1 quoted in places.
What is interesting is the mention of a 3000:1 static contrast ratio. This
would be a marked improvement compared with the current realistic limit of
about 1400:1 to 1500:1. Whether this is really going to be the case is another
matter, but it will be interesting to find out.
Both screens feature an HDMI connection, but the MX is
the only one of the two to also feature integrated speakers it seems. More
info on specs and features when we know.
The F2370H is expected to retail in Korea first for the
equivalent of around $350 and the F2380MX for around $370 USD
ViewSonic Release New 24" and 27" Screens at CES
2010
January 14th 2010

